CALGARY -- Calgary Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel announced today that import linebacker Deron Mayo has signed a contract extension.

As per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Mayo appeared in 17 regular-season games as a CFL rookie in 2012 and was a force on special teams, finishing second on the club with 15 special-teams tackles and being part of a coverage unit that allowed Calgary to lead the league in net punting and yielded a league low of two punt returns of 30 or more yards. Mayo also saw duty as a linebacker on defence and recorded nine tackles and one pass knockdown.

The 24-year-old Old Dominion product got the call to start at middle linebacker in the West Division final and made four tackles in the Stamps’ 34-29 victory over the BC Lions.

“Deron made a very good impression during his rookie season and was a strength for us on all season long on special teams,” said Hufnagel. “He played well as a special-situation linebacker during the season and did a very good job when called upon as a defensive starter in the Western Final. I look forward to seeing him continue to develop his game this coming season.”

Prior to joining the Stampeders, Mayo tried out with the National Football League’s Denver Broncos. In 2010, he was co-captain at Old Dominion and led the team with 6.5 sacks. The Hampton, Va., native spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career at Hofstra.

“My first year in the CFL and with the Stampeders was very enjoyable and I’m happy for the opportunity to remain in Calgary,” said Mayo. “This is a very talented team and I’m looking forward to the new season and the chance to get back to the Grey Cup game.”